This Week in Ancient History
Notable events in ancient history for the week of April 30 - May 6
April 30, 313 AD - Roman Emperor Licinius unifies the Easter Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire), declaring himself master of the domain. His brother-in-law, Constantine, assumed rule of the Western portion of the Empire.
April 30, 65 AD - Roman poet Lucan died. He penned the epic poem Pharsalia, the story of the civil conflict between Caesar and Pompey.
May 1, 305 AD - Co-Roman Emperors Diocletian and Maximian retire, at the urging of Diocletian, but much to the chagrin of Maximian.
May 1 - The public festival in honor of Bona Dea ("the good goddess) was held. She was the goddess of fertility, virginity, and women in general. Men were banned from the festival.
May 5, 311 AD - Roman Emperor Galerius dies, possibly of bowel cancer.
